Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post and submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The move comes after weeks of sustained protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a group formed by students and activists demanding accountability over the NEET examination paper leak controversy. The Prime Minister is yet to formally accept the resignation.
What Led to the Resignation
The protests began on June 6, 2026, after the Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, organised demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over irregularities linked to the NEET examination process. Pradhan's resignation was one of the central demands raised by protesting students and the opposition since the agitation started. In the days leading up to the resignation, government sources had indicated that the minister would not step down, with senior BJP leaders reportedly holding meetings to manage the situation. However, as pressure mounted nationwide, Pradhan ultimately chose to resign.
What Pradhan Said in His Resignation Letter
Sharing his resignation letter on social media, Pradhan explained that his decision was driven by a concern that the ongoing unrest at Jantar Mantar could be exploited by disruptive elements, and that he wanted to protect national unity and ensure students could return their focus to studies rather than remain caught in prolonged controversy and legal complications.
I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth.— Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister
Pradhan also thanked his cabinet colleagues and the officials of the Education Ministry for their support during his tenure, adding that serving the nation would remain his highest priority regardless of the position he holds.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2026 | CJP-led protests begin at Jantar Mantar over NEET paper leak issue |
| Early July 2026 | Protests intensify; Pradhan's resignation becomes a core demand |
| Mid-to-late July 2026 | Government sources indicate minister will not resign; party meetings held |
| July 25, 2026 | Pradhan submits resignation letter to PM Modi via social media post |
| Ongoing | Prime Minister yet to formally accept the resignation |
Reaction and Significance
- The resignation marks a major concession from the Modi government following nationwide student demonstrations
- It fulfils one of the primary demands raised by protesters camping at Jantar Mantar for weeks
- Pradhan had served as Union Education Minister since July 2021 and was retained in the role after the 2024 general election
- The Education Ministry's future leadership and any reshuffle decision now rest with the Prime Minister
- The NEET paper leak controversy remains under scrutiny, with students continuing to seek accountability
Pradhan has held several key portfolios during his political career, including petroleum and natural gas, and skill development and entrepreneurship, before taking charge of the Education Ministry in July 2021. He was reappointed to the post following the formation of the third Modi government in June 2024. His resignation now leaves a vacancy in one of the most closely watched cabinet portfolios, particularly given ongoing concerns around examination integrity for national-level tests such as NEET.
What Happens Next
With the resignation letter submitted but not yet formally accepted by the Prime Minister, attention now shifts to whether a cabinet reshuffle will follow and who might be given charge of the Education Ministry. Protesters and opposition leaders are expected to continue monitoring the government's response, while students awaiting clarity on NEET-related matters will be watching closely for further announcements. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as official confirmation and further details emerge.